Stairlifts are devices that allow a mobility-challenged person to safely ascend or descend the stairs. The user sits in a chair that is attached to a carriage that runs along a track installed on the side of the stairs. The carriage is powered up and down along the run of the stairs through the use of an electric motor. Stairlifts greatly improve the safety and comfort of mobility-challenged persons traversing stairs, allowing them to once again use upper or lower floors of their house that may have been previously inaccessible or difficult to access. While modern stairlifts have a number of safety features designed to make them easier and safer to use, the responsibility of using a stairlift safely still falls on the user. Here are some tips for using your new Bruno stairlift from Pacific Mobility Center safely.
Follow weight restrictions
All stairlifts have weight limits within which they were designed to operate safely. Bruno stairlifts offer a range of weight limits, including some of the highest in the industry, but those limits vary by model, so be sure to consult your manual to determine the weight limits of your particular model. Remember that anything you carry with you, including groceries or other items, count towards the weight restrictions, so be sure to consider the additional weight of those items. When in doubt, make several trips. While making multiple trips may be a hassle sometimes, the inconvenience or even danger of a stairlift failure due to the weight limit being exceeded is much greater. A broken stairlift could be expensive to repair and cause you to lose the use of your stairlift for some time. A trip to the doctor or hospital due to injury could be even more expensive and time-consuming.
Use the safety belt
Bruno stairlifts have a safety belt to prevent falls. Always use this safety belt. It will prevent accidental falls from the stairlift or will minimize your risk of injury should the stairlift fail or in the event of some disaster or emergency. Remember that California is prone to earthquakes, which could throw you from the lift chair if you are not using the belt. Earthquakes or other disasters could strike at any time. The safety belt will only help you if you are wearing it, so wear it each and every time you use the stairlift.
Only allow one rider at a time
Older users with children or grandchildren may be tempted to give them rides on the stairlift. Avoid this practice. Stairlifts are designed to accommodate one rider at a time and the safety equipment and weight restrictions are not designed for additional riders. Additionally, stairlifts are not toys and children should be discouraged from playing with them.
Discontinue use if there are signs of trouble
Bruno stairlifts are designed with safety and reliability in mind and are constructed of quality materials with superior craftsmanship. They are, however, machines, and all machines are susceptible to damage or failure. If your stairlift becomes damaged, or exhibits signs of trouble, discontinue use immediately and contact Pacific Mobility Center immediately to schedule a service call. Signs of trouble include, but are not limited to, strange noises, odd vibrations, jerky or erratic movements of the carriage, or slowed or strained movement of the carriage.
Read your manual
In addition to the tips above, all Bruno stairlifts come with a safety manual detailing proper procedures for the safe usage of the lift. Read these procedures and follow them at all times to ensure your continued safety. Be sure to follow the proper maintenance schedules for your stairlift as detailed in the manual as well. Contact Pacific Mobility Center to schedule regular maintenance of your stairlift.
With correct usage and proper maintenance, your Bruno stairlift will provide you with years of safe, reliable usage. Follow the tips above and the procedures in your manual to ensure you use your stairlift safely and to minimize your chance of injury or failure. If you ever have any questions regarding your stairlift, please contact Pacific Mobility Center immediately so that our factory-trained, knowledgeable staff can assist you in the correct usage of your device. We are always here to help.
Watch this video to see Bruno Stairlifts in action:
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
